Pressure-cooker performance brings out the hero in Enda

Fri, Jun 18, 2010

It was a close call but Enda came out victorious in the end. Our man is back in the hot seat, and by ‘our man’ I mean yours and mine, all of the citizens of Mayo — and not just those aligned to Fine Gael. Because when you scratch your head and think about it for a bit, having the leader of the main opposition party resident in and native of our home county packs a major punch politically, particularly as he now lies poised more than ever to assume the role of taoiseach-in-waiting. How can the people not row in behind the man? The reward will surely be largesse and investment and growth for the county that has literally been frozen in time after the boom/bust mess-up.

Be a role model for Leaving Cert students

Fri, Jun 11, 2010

The start of the Junior and Leaving Cert exams this week at last brings into focus what life is really all about — the next generation. Yes, all of us struggling to come through these difficult times being distracted by so many forces along the way — job losses, income reductions, tax levies, welfare cuts, education hikes, bank bail-outs, stock market crashes, foul tempers, and anxious states of mind, etc — are entitled to feel important too but really, our role is merely to lead by example.

Senior moments are all part of growing old

Fri, Jun 04, 2010

The continuing imposition of ‘austerity measures’ yet again this week, with even more taxes to empty our coffers through new levies and cutbacks, is enough to make a body feel old. Imagine, though, if we all really were old right now in this modern youth-obsessed society of ours — what would it be like having to worry about not only funding our remaining years through a dwindling pension, but also the looming handicap of health issues?

From poor homes to poor roads

Fri, May 28, 2010

What on earth was Fergie thinking of? The once so popular Duchess of York who unfortunately came crashing down to earth following a ‘toe-sucking’ incident is yet again on the front pages for all the wrong reasons — selling introductions to her husband, the Duke of York, of all things. Getting to meet Prince Andrew didn’t come cheap either as Fergie wanted no less than $40,000 cash for the privilege — which it appears she succeeded in getting too from the tabloid journalist who carried out the ‘sting’ operation. (We’re still awaiting details on whether she actually handed the cash back).

Getting creative in the fight for survival

Fri, May 21, 2010

It may seem like a strange thing to say — especially in light of the claim by a leading stockbroker last week that the country is officially out of recession — but in some ways, this downturn has been good for us. Of course it is awful, terrible in the many ways it is hitting people in the pocket, in terms of job security, the desperate negative equity situation, fear for the future, and the general air of anxiety it has generated in society. At the same time, now that we have grown used to having to put up with all of these new stresses and are no longer playing the designer-name-keeping-up-with-the-Joneses game, we are being challenged on other levels and what is coming to the fore is our creativity.

Long-term business success is our goal

Fri, May 14, 2010

As a free-sheet newspaper set up on the basis of making commercial sense through advertising revenue coupled with comprehensive news coverage, the Mayo Advertiser is your local, community platform. A newspaper in the business of news, each week we highlight the stories and events that matter with a particular emphasis on the positive. Our aim is to make you feel good about all that life has to offer and to give you the connections you need. By sharing important information, news and updates, we want to increase your sense of belonging to Mayo and your understanding of the role you too can play in making this region prosper once more.

Dramatic events give pause for thought

Fri, May 07, 2010

The three-day weekend leading into a four-day week threw many of us off course over the last seven days but at least things will return to normal soon - or will they? As the ongoing volcanic ash cloud disruption continues to mess up travel and holiday schedules you get the sense that so much is still up in the air (excuse the pun). Making far-off plans for the future just doesn’t seem wise with other shock events rooting us to the spot, such as the passing of 2fm DJ Gerry Ryan, which continues to resonate even one week later. This ‘Lady Di’ moment of ours obviously gave many of us cause to pause and take stock as we try to figure out whether we should continue along the current paths of our lives or change things around radically for the better.

Don’t ask their opinion and then ignore it

Fri, Apr 23, 2010

Let the people decide. But when the people had their say it obviously wasn’t the right say, and so their wishes were rejected.

Garda update

Fri, Apr 23, 2010

Break-in to community centre
Around €100 was taken from the Snugboro Community Centre some time between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Happy to be unhappy?

Fri, Apr 16, 2010

Hasn’t the good weather been fantastic? A welcome dose of vitamin D. The warm feeling of the sun’s rays on our freckled skin. A light breeze reminding us that it’s still April. But generally it’s been a nice teaser of what could be in store if the weather gods are in our favour this summer.

Education is key to a united society

Fri, Apr 09, 2010

A 15-year-old old boy who was about to enter into the prime of his life was savagely murdered in Dublin last week on the one day which is referred to as good — Good Friday. Racist motives are suspected in the stabbing of Toyosi Shittabey, a well-respected Nigerian boy, who was a promising young football star with Shelbourne FC, and who had been living in Ireland for the past 11 years with his family. His tragic death, along with an eye-opening report issued by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland this week, which showed that almost half of members surveyed had shockingly witnessed racial incidents in schools/colleges in the past month, is sending out a stark signal that it racial policy and cultural cohesion is a vital necessity for Ireland in 2010, with education key in implementing such integration.